In a major step towards boosting defence indigenisation, the Indian Army has issued a Rs 30,000 crore tender to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for acquiring five to six regiments of the DRDO-developed ‘Anant Shastra’ surface-to-air missile systems.
Previously known as the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system, the Anant Shastra is designed to enhance the Army Air Defence along India’s borders with Pakistan and China. Defence officials said the highly mobile system can track and engage targets on the move, firing even during short halts, with an operational range of around 30 km.
The Indian Army’s integrated air defence network currently operates MR-SAM, Akash, and other systems in coordination with the Indian Air Force, and the new acquisition will complement existing short- and medium-range capabilities. The Defence Acquisition Council approved the procurement following lessons learned during Operation Sindoor in May, when Army Air Defence units successfully intercepted Pakistani drones.
The Anant Shastra systems have undergone extensive trials under both day and night conditions. Alongside new missile systems, the Army Air Defence is also set to receive advanced radars, very short-range systems, jammers, and laser-based equipment to counter drones of Turkish and Chinese origin.
Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi has emphasised indigenisation across the forces, with future projects including the Zorawar light tank and additional air defence systems, strengthening India’s strategic autonomy in defence technology.